Steve, I am yet to finalise the colour scheme for the saddle and tape. But it gives me a perfect opportunity to think about it over one of your excellent coffees. Weather permitting I might call in on Sun. The penny farthing group have a ride starting at Glenelg on Sunday and I might bring the Bullock down and ride with them.

I got into cycling in the 90's, so I really should be into things like the classic Colnago Mapei.

Yet it just doesn't do anything for me.

I lusted after Merlins back then, and I think that is the one thing that has influenced what bikes I like now.

Generally, though, I like modern bikes. I think it's a form-follows-function thing: something like a S-Works carbon road bike is a much more effective than the Colnago shown above and I like it more.

I love the Surly LHT. It's just about the perfect bike for what it does. I wouldn't say it's beautiful, but it has a functional appearance that I like.

OTOH, I have enjoyed restoring the Dawes Galaxy I found by the side of the road. I think it loosk good too - but maybe that's just because I like the colour scheme (British Racing Green, white logos + (mostly) Silver works)